Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The exact cause of IBS isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought to involve a combination of gut sensitivity, stress, diet, and changes in gut bacteria. Some people may find that their symptoms worsen after certain foods or during emotional stress. Hormonal changes can also play a role, which is why IBS is more common in women.

The common symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, wind, and alternating episodes of constipation or diarrhoea. Some people may experience mucus in their stool or feel that their bowel hasn’t completely emptied. Symptoms often flare up after eating and can improve after a bowel movement.

There is no cure for IBS, but symptoms can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication. Mebeverine Tablets or Colpermin IBS Relief Capsules can help relax the bowel and reduce cramps or bloating. A healthy diet, stress management, and regular exercise also play key roles in controlling symptoms.

Most IBS treatments aim to relax the muscles in the bowel and reduce spasms that cause pain and bloating. Some medications help regulate bowel movements, while others target specific symptoms like constipation or diarrhoea. Treatments such as Mebeverine work directly on the gut muscles to ease discomfort.

There are certain foods that can trigger symptoms, such as fatty or spicy meals, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners. Some people find relief by following a low FODMAP diet, which reduces fermentable carbohydrates that can irritate the gut. Keeping a food diary can help identify your personal triggers.

There are three main types: IBS with constipation (IBS-C), IBS with diarrhoea (IBS-D), and mixed IBS (IBS-M), where both occur alternately. Understanding your type helps determine which treatments and dietary changes may be most effective. Your GP or pharmacist can help identify your type based on your symptoms.

IBS is usually a long-term condition, but many people experience long periods without symptoms. With the right combination of diet, stress management, and medication, it’s possible to keep IBS well-controlled. Some individuals may even find that their symptoms fade over time.

While IBS doesn’t cause serious harm to the bowel, leaving it untreated can affect your quality of life. Ongoing discomfort, bloating, and irregular bowel movements can lead to stress, anxiety, and difficulty managing daily activities. Managing symptoms early can help prevent flare-ups and improve wellbeing.

Vomiting isn’t a typical symptom of IBS, but severe nausea can occur during flare-ups, especially after eating trigger foods. If vomiting is frequent or severe, it may be a sign of another digestive condition. It’s important to speak with a doctor to rule out other causes.

There is no direct test for IBS, but home stool tests or food intolerance kits can help rule out other issues. A diagnosis is usually made based on symptoms and by excluding other conditions such as coeliac disease. If symptoms persist, a GP can arrange appropriate tests and recommend treatment.

Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), coeliac disease, and lactose intolerance can cause similar symptoms. Because of this overlap, it’s important not to self-diagnose and to seek medical advice. A doctor may recommend blood or stool tests to confirm it’s IBS and not another gut disorder.

Yes, IBS can appear suddenly, often following a stomach infection or period of high stress. This is sometimes called post-infectious IBS. While the exact trigger varies from person to person, early symptom management can help prevent it from becoming chronic.